Why Arsenal must be in if Drogba leaves Chelsea

Ivory Coast striker scored winning penalty in Champions League final

By

Staff with Agencies

PublishedTuesday, May 22, 2012

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba is leaving Chelsea after playing a leading role in their Champions League triumph, according to a report to be published in French magazine France Football on Tuesday.

Drogba, who scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Bayern Munich on Saturday after cancelling out Thomas Mueller's opener, has reportedly told his team mates "we will not be together next season."

"I am getting ready for a great leap into the unknown," he added without hinting at a possible destination.

He made the shock announcement at the Blues victory parade, 24 hours after helping them to Champions League glory.

The 34-year-old is expected to link up with former team-mate Nicolas Anelka at Shanghai in China in a £200,000-a-week deal.

However, several English Premier League clubs would be interested in signing the star, despite his age.

Top among them, from the point of view of the club needing a Drogba-type player up front, or as a choice coming off the bench, is Arsenal.

The fact that Drogba's said move to China was thrown in to doubt Monday night when it emerged coach Anelka is involved in a row with Shanghai’s owners, according to The Sun, might interest Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Drogba said: “Even though it’s been three years since I said that I wanted to leave, I find it hard to admit that it’s over with this club - especially since I did not want this end.”

Drogba told France Football magazine: “I could not see myself sitting on the bench watching others play when the club plans to set up a new team.

"I’m not relieved, I am especially sad to leave such good guys. I prepare for my leap into the void, into the unknown.”

The Ivorian claims he could never play for another Premier League side.

He added: “If I must leave it will be for an adventure that’s totally different from the big leagues.

"First, because there is no question I would play for anyone else in England other than Chelsea and also, because I don’t know what I could get in Spain, Italy or Germany that I don’t already know.

“I don’t want to start an ordinary adventure elsewhere. I’m more attracted to a new life.”

Anelka has helped negotiations between Shanghai and Drogba reach an advanced stage.

But the Frenchman is unhappy with the interference he has encountered since taking over as player-coach from Jean Tigana last month and could decide to walk away.

Drogba, 34, joined Chelsea from Olympique Marseille in 2004 and has won three Premier League titles with the London club as well as four FA Cups.